Duchess Kate Celebrates Milestone for Mental Health Text Service Shout!

In a heartwarming visit to Shout!

headquarters in central London, Duchess Kate Middleton marked an impressive milestone for the mental health text service.

Just two and a half years ago, she, along with Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, helped launch this vital initiative aimed at providing immediate support to those in crisis.

Despite the changing dynamics among the royal family, the service continues to flourish.

On Wednesday, Kate donned a chic winter outfit, featuring a long-sleeved khaki leopard print dress paired with stylish black knee-high boots.

She accessorized with a black suede belt and trendy gold hoop earrings from ASOS, presenting a polished look for her engagement.

The Duchess met with clinical supervisors, volunteers, and fundraisers, praising their unwavering commitment to making Shout!

accessible to anyone in need, at any time.

During her visit, Kate observed a live demonstration of the text service, which has been operational since May 2019.

Established with a founding grant from the Royal Foundation as part of the Heads Together campaign, Shout!

is the only 24/7 text service in the UK that provides free and confidential help to individuals facing various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The service has seen a staggering 140 percent increase in demand since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support.

To address this growing demand, Shout!

is actively seeking more volunteers to join its ranks and assist those in distress.

Among those Kate met was 13-year-old Leo Street, who shared his remarkable fundraising journey.

Leo raised over $10,800 by sleeping outside in a hammock throughout 2021, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to the cause.

Dressed in his Scouts uniform, Leo caught Kate's attention, prompting her to commend his inspiring efforts.

“I could not believe that when I read it,” she said, clearly impressed by his commitment despite the challenging weather conditions.

Kate's enthusiasm for the work being done at Shout!

was palpable.

She engaged with a small group of volunteers, eager to learn about their experiences and the skills they've developed while helping others.

“It's amazing to see how much work goes into Shout!,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of their mission during these trying times.

The Duchess's visit comes on the heels of Prince William's recent philanthropic efforts.

Last month, he selected three charities, including Shout!, to receive significant donations from Apple as part of his holiday episode of Apple Fitness Plus' Time to Walk.

This gesture underscores the royal family's ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy.

As Shout!

continues to make strides in supporting mental health, the dedication of its volunteers remains crucial.

The platform stands as a beacon of hope for many, ensuring that help is just a text away, day or night.

With the royal family's involvement, Shout!